It would be quite deadly if they opened early. There was no need for automation. Some time after the second wreak, NASA added the ability to run a cable for th

It would be quite deadly if they opened early. There was no need for automation. Some time after the second wreak, NASA added the ability to run a cable for that. The idea was that a rescue mission would be launched, and the cable would be installed in the abandoned shuttle to allow a landing attempt. BTW, the first mission was flown manually. I don't think the landing software could have been written without data from the first flight.